Rachel Martinez, 34, is a high school English teacher in Austin, Texas. She was diagnosed with endometriosis at 24 after years of dismissed symptoms. This is her story—in her own words.
I still remember the exact moment I realized my period bloating wasn't "normal."
I was 19, getting ready for my college roommate's birthday dinner. I'd bought this beautiful fitted dress—emerald green, my favorite color. I'd been looking forward to wearing it for weeks.
But when I tried to zip it up, it wouldn't close. Not even close. I hadn't gained weight. I hadn't changed sizes. It was just... that week.
I ended up wearing an oversized cardigan over leggings and spent the whole night feeling like a fraud. Like my body had betrayed me at the worst possible moment.
That feeling would become a pattern for the next fifteen years.
"I Had Two Wardrobes"
By my mid-twenties, I'd developed a system. I had my "normal" clothes—the things I actually wanted to wear—and my "period week" clothes. Flowy tops. Stretchy pants. Dark colors. Anything that would hide the fact that my stomach looked six months pregnant.
I scheduled my life around my cycle. Job interviews? I'd try to time them for week two, when I felt most like myself. Beach trips with friends? I'd find excuses if they fell during the wrong week. Dating? Forget about it. The idea of someone seeing my body during a flare-up was terrifying.
When I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis at 24, part of me was actually relieved. At least I had an explanation. At least I wasn't crazy.
I scheduled my life around my cycle. Job interviews, beach trips, dates—everything revolved around avoiding 'that week.'
— Rachel M., Austin, TXThe Things I Tried (And Why They Failed)
Over the years, I tried everything. And I mean everything.
By 32, I'd basically given up. This was just my life. One good week, one okay week, two terrible weeks. Rinse and repeat forever.
Rachel's 15-Year Journey
The Conversation That Changed Everything
Last spring, I was complaining to my sister about an upcoming work event that fell right in the middle of my worst bloating days. She mentioned that her friend with PCOS had started wearing these compression leggings specifically designed for hormonal bloating.
I rolled my eyes. "I've tried compression. It just makes everything worse."
But she insisted this was different. Something about "3D knit technology" and targeted compression zones. She sent me a link.
I almost didn't order them. I'd been burned too many times. But they had a pretty generous return policy, and I figured one more disappointment wouldn't kill me.
"This Is... Different"
The first thing I noticed when I tried them on was that I could breathe. Actually breathe. Unlike every other compression garment I'd tried, these didn't feel like they were squeezing my organs.
The compression was concentrated around my lower abdomen—exactly where I bloat the most—but it wasn't restrictive. It felt more like... support. Like someone was gently holding everything in place without crushing it.
I wore them for a full day, expecting the usual discomfort to set in after a few hours. It didn't.
But the real test was my period week. I put them on the morning I woke up with that familiar "here we go again" feeling. By midday, I realized something was different. I still felt bloated—I could tell the fluid was there—but I didn't look bloated. More importantly, I didn't feel that heavy, waterlogged sensation I was used to.
I actually went to happy hour with my coworkers that week. In a fitted top. Without a cardigan.
Happy hour with coworkers. Fitted top. No cardigan. Period week. For the first time in 15 years.
For the first time in fifteen years, I didn't feel like I had to hide. I felt like myself—even during the worst days of my cycle.
— Rachel M.Rachel's Experience: Before vs. After
What I Tell Other Women Now
Look, I'm not saying these leggings cured my endometriosis. They didn't. I still have painful periods. I still deal with fatigue and all the other fun stuff that comes with this condition.
But the bloating piece—the thing that made me feel like a stranger in my own body every single month—that's different now. I have something that actually helps. Not masks. Not hides. Helps.
I've been wearing Cellumove for about eight months now. I have three pairs that I rotate through during my luteal phase and period. My sister's friend was right—they're not like regular shapewear. They work with your body instead of against it.
The biggest change isn't even physical. It's mental. I don't dread "that week" anymore. I don't plan my life around avoiding it. I just... live.
For anyone else who's spent years hiding, who's tried everything, who's almost given up—I get it. I really do.
But don't stop looking for solutions. What works for your body is out there. For me, it turned out to be something I never expected: compression that actually makes sense.
Real Results From Real Women
See the difference Cellumove has made for our community
Without Cellumove
With Cellumove
"Day 2 of my period — usually my worst day. Left is how I looked before leaving the house. Right is after wearing Cellumove for just 3 hours."
Morning bloat
Same day, 6pm
"I wore these under my work clothes all day. By evening, my bloating was visibly reduced and I actually went to dinner instead of canceling like I usually do."
PMS week
After 4 hours
"The week before my period is usually when I hide in oversized clothes. This was my first time wearing something fitted during PMS week in years."
Severe bloating
Visible reduction
"With PCOS, my bloating makes me look 5 months pregnant. These don't eliminate it completely, but the difference is enough that I actually feel comfortable leaving the house."
Results shown are from real Cellumove customers. Individual results may vary. Photos submitted voluntarily by customers and used with permission.
This story has been edited for length and clarity. Rachel Martinez is a real Cellumove customer who agreed to share her experience. Individual results may vary.
Comments 89
I'm literally crying reading this. The part about having two wardrobes and scheduling your life around your cycle - I thought I was the only one who did this. I've cancelled so many dates and events because of bloating. Rachel, thank you for being so honest. ❤️
You're definitely not alone, Kelsey. That's exactly why I wanted to share my story - I spent so many years feeling like I was the only one struggling with this. Sending you so much love. 💕
Okay but like... is this a real person or a made-up testimonial? I've been burned by so many "real story" ads that turned out to be fake. Not trying to be rude, just genuinely asking. The story almost seems TOO perfect for selling the product.
Hi Brianna - totally fair question! Rachel is a real customer who reached out to us after seeing improvements. We did compensate her for her time doing the interview, which is standard practice, but the story and experiences are genuinely hers. The piece was edited for length/clarity but the content is authentic. We understand the skepticism! 🙏
I appreciate them being transparent about compensation at least. Most brands wouldn't admit that
Fellow endo warrior here 🎗️ diagnosed at 22 after 7 years of doctors telling me my pain was "normal." The bloating is honestly sometimes worse than the pain for me mentally because at least I can hide pain. You can't hide looking like you swallowed a watermelon.
Just ordered a pair. If it helps even a little it's worth trying. Will update when they arrive!
Following for your update! I have endo too and I'm on the fence about ordering
Will def come back and comment! Should arrive Thursday 🤞
Husband here - my wife sent me this article and honestly I had no idea she was dealing with all of this. We've been married 8 years and she never talked about it. Just ordered her a pair as a surprise. Thanks for writing this Rachel, it helped me understand what she goes through every month.
This is so sweet 😭 You're a good one, Michael
We don't talk about it because society taught us it's "gross" or "TMI." The fact that you're trying to understand means everything. Your wife is lucky ❤️
The part about feeling like a stranger in your own body... that hit different. I'm 41 and perimenopause has made my bloating 10x worse than it ever was before. Some months I look legitimately pregnant. It's isolating and embarrassing and I'm so tired of it. Might give these a try.